EU apple production to stabilise despite fewer orchards

Apple production for fresh consumption in the EU’s six main producing countries is expected to rise slightly by about 1.6% between 2025 and 2035, even as the total growing area is forecast to shrink by around 4.6%. Higher yields are expected to offset the loss of orchard area, with average productivity projected to increase by about 6.5% over the decade, according to the European Commission’s agricultural outlook.

Poland is likely to see the biggest drop in planted area as small growers leave the sector, but this is partly balanced by better yields. Hungary is the only major producer where yields are expected to increase clearly by 2035, while yields in other key producing countries may edge down slightly. Producers across the EU continue to face pressure from climate change, limited access to plant protection products and rising labour costs.

Exports to take a larger share of supply

The EU currently exports almost half of its total apple production, and this share is expected to increase to about 55% by 2035. Poland and Italy are set to remain the EU’s leading exporters of both fresh and processed apples. However, both countries could see slower growth in net exports of fresh apples.

Overall, the EU is projected to remain a net exporter of fresh apples, with export volumes expected to increase by around 4.9% over the next decade compared with 2021-2025.

Processed apples to rely more on imports

In contrast, trade in processed apple products is expected to shift toward higher imports. The EU is likely to become structurally more dependent on imported processed apples, although volumes should remain relatively limited. The increase in net imports is mainly linked to higher demand in traditional importing markets such as Germany and France.

Read the full report here.

source: webgate.ec.europa.eu

photo: agemod.eu, webgate.ec.europa.eu